Independent Los Angeles agency Zambezi has hired Tal Wagman as associate creative director and copywriter.
Wagman will team up with associate creative director, art director Annie Johnston, who joined Zambei back in January.
He joins Zambezi from Saatchi & Saatchi L.A., where he has spent over three and a half years as an associate creative director and copywriter, working with such brands as Toyota and Bravo. Prior to that he spent time as a copywriter with Dare, Taxi and Saatchi & Saatchi Canada, working with brands including Toyota, Burger King, Wendy’s and Mini Cooper. He moved to Los Angeles both to continue his career and pursue stand-up comedy as a “side hustle,” according to a press release.
“I thought I was good at standup. It was half the reason I came here. But with commuting to Torrance every morning, the side hustle became impossible. I still write comedy, I just don’t perform it. What I try do is channel my humor into my ad work. Zambezi recognizes that, and that’s why I’m really excited about working here,” Wagman said in a statement. “I wanted to join an independent shop with an appreciation for comedy. It’s funny, I came to L.A. to do stand up, and Zambezi gave it to me, in the form of a stand-up desk. Actually, is that funny? I don’t know, and that’s why I’m not doing comedy.”
“Tal brings funny to Zambezi,” Zambezi chief creative officer Gavin Lester added. “There’s nothing more engaging than a brand story told with wit and humor. That’s Tal’s forte. He’s a wonderful addition to the team, pratfalls and all.”